A Model for Building Relationships with the Buddhist Principles of People Using the Temple-based Approach in Wat Chan Community, Sriprachan District of Suphanburi Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to analyze people's relationships using the temple-based approach, to develop Buddhist relationship activities, and to create a model of building relationships with the Buddhist principles of people using the Temple-Based approach in Wat Chan Community, Sriprachan District of Suphanburi Province. Key informants have been selected 40 people, including monks, community leaders, youths, and community people, collected information through in-depth interview and organized a group discussion to design and implement activities to build relationships with Buddhist principles. Analyze data by analyzing content.

The results of the research show that 1. Wat Chan is considered the center of religion and culture of the community, but its role as the center of public relations has decreased due to social, economic, technological and lifestyle changes. However, the temple still holds potential as a space for revitalizing community relationships through activities aligned with local contexts and Buddhist principles. 2. Development of Buddhist relationship building activities on temples-centered has designed activities with a clarity goal, contemporary and linked to Saṅgahavatthu 4: (1) generosity is “sharing merit, sharing hearts”, which promotes communal support and generosity; (2) kind speech is “Dhamma communication for community relations,” which utilizes positive communication and technology to spread Buddhist teachings; (3) beneficial conduct is “Buddhist youth volunteers,” which encourages youth engagement in temple activities and volunteerism; and (4) equality is “Buddhism for community harmony,” which fosters mutual understanding and reduces conflicts within the community. 3. Creating a model of relationship building activities: it is found that the use of Saṅgahavatthu 4 makes temples become the community center. The activities are carried out continuously and improved to suit the situation of society. The research knowledge shows that building public relations using temples as a base. There are elements that are linked people's relationships through Buddhist activities: giving and helping, to promote relationships in community; youth’s participation using the temple as a base to motivate youth to participate in temple activities, to build relationships, to create friendly communication and to reduce conflicts in the community, and to cooperate sustainability to promote harmony and collaboration.